As is apparent from the bichrome coloration, Oxfam is not prepared to dish out praise to any country for their efforts, not even to Sweden, which tops the index.

Robert Höglund, head of communication at Oxfam Sweden, points out that in some respects Sweden is even regressing. In recent years social welfare has not grown in proportion to wage increases, which implies a decrease in relative affluence for the poorest in Swedish society. Meanwhile capital incomes have increased disproportionately, benefitting the opposite end of the spectrum, the Local reports.

"As the name says the index ranks commitment to reducing inequality – we're not looking at actual inequality levels – and if you wanted to be mean you can even say Sweden is trading on past glories," Oxfam Sweden’s head of communication Robert Höglund explained to The Local.

In line with this mode of thought, Oxfam points out that many developing countries are ranked higher on the index than rich countries. 20% of the countries ranked in the top 50 are developing countries. That should, however, perhaps be interpreted as a good thing. Assuming that developed countries have, in general, come further in reducing domestic inequality, it would be a sad story indeed if those countries were still exerting more effort to improve than countries where inequality is more acute.

According to Oxfam, seven out of ten people live in countries that have seen an increase in equality over the last 30 years.

“We hope the index motivates governments to act in the citizens’ interests by increasing investments in public services, adopting fair tax systems and defending workers’ rights. Our economies should be built to work for everyone, and not just benefit the fortunate few,” says Winnie Byanyima, executive director of Oxfam International.

Here’s how the Nordic countries rank up based on the index’ three key measures:

Social spending: The quantity and quality of government spending on public services.

Progressive taxation: The extent to which governments redistribute wealth across society.

Labour rights: The degree to which governments support workers’ rights, and particularly the rights of women in the workplace.